Touch input devices

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/292,968, entitled “TOUCH INPUT DEVICES,” filed Dec. 22, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present description relates generally to touch-based input devices, and, more particularly, to touch-based input for electronic devices.

A variety of electronic devices exist for detecting input from a user during use. A touch panel on some electronic devices may respond to touch input from a user by generating a signal that can be processed and utilized by other components of the electronic device. The signal can be used to take additional actions corresponding to the type of user input that was detected. Such inputs can act as user commands for operation of the electronic device.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

Some electronic devices that include a touch panel to receive tactile input from a user. The touch panel may include a touch sensitive surface that, in response to detecting a touch event, generates a signal that can be processed and utilized by other components of the electronic device. A user can move a finger or other object with respect to the input device, which can translate the user activity into an input command.

Some electronic devices utilize capacitive touch sensors to detect user inputs, for example by detecting an electrostatic field when the user touches or comes near such an input device. However, capacitive based touch sentencing cannot be implemented on conductive surfaces, such as metallic enclosures. Such conductive surfaces can interfere with the electrostatic field and impede detection of user inputs. As such, the application of capacitive touch sensors is limited to certain materials.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include input devices that can be implemented in electronic devices to receive user input during operation of the electronic device. The input devices can employ ultrasonic touch sensing capabilities that allow user inputs to be detected through conductive materials, such as metal enclosures. The ultrasonic touch sensing can include generation of ultrasound signals with a piezoelectric layer. The ultrasound signals can be reflected when a user or other object is in contact with a housing, and the reflected signal can be detected by the same piezoelectric layer that produced the ultrasound signal. Such a piezoelectric layer can include a piezoelectric polymer, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). An array of electrodes distributed on opposing sides of the use of electric layer can be operated to generate ultrasound signals and detect reflected signals. Such an input device can be operated in conjunction with a conductive (e.g., metallic) housing, conform to a variety of shapes, and be compact and lightweight.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

Referring to, an electronic device can include an input device for receiving touch input from a user during operation of the electronic device. As shown in, an electronic devicecan include a housingthat defines at least a portion of an outer periphery of the electronic device. The electronic devicecan be any device that is operable by a user, and it will be appreciated that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to a variety of different electronic devices. For example, the electronic devicecan be, can be part of, include, and/or be operably connected to a phone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a watch, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a mouse, a trackpad, a keyboard, a game controller, a remote control, a digital media player, a wearable device, a stylus, a media player, a control panel, a display, a head-mountable device, a handheld device, a television, and the like.

The electronic devicecan optionally include one or more input device interfacesand/or output device interfaces. The input device interfacecan enable a user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic device. Input devices may include, for example, alphanumeric keyboards, pointing devices, cameras, microphones, touchscreens, biosensors, and the like. The output device interfacemay enable, for example, the output of information generated by electronic device. Output devices may include, for example, displays, speakers, haptic feedback devices, and the like. While only one input device interfaceand one output device interfaceare illustrated in, it will be understood that any number of input device interfaces and/or output device interfaces can be provided as part of an electronic device.

The electronic devicecan include an input devicefor receiving touch input at the housingof the electronic device. The housingcan define at least a portion of an outer periphery of the electronic device. For example, the housingcan surround one or more internal components of the electronic device. While the input devicecan be positioned alongside a portion of the housing(e.g., within the housing), the housingcan optionally extend beyond the vicinity of the input device. The input devicecan detect touch input provided by a user at a given portion of the housing. Accordingly, such a portion of the housingcan be considered part of the input device. While only one input deviceis illustrated in, it will be understood that any number of input devices can be provided as part of an electronic device.

The input devicecan be operated to cause the electronic deviceto perform one or more functions. While certain examples are provided herein, it will be appreciated that any function of the electronic devicecan be performed according to preprogrammed features of the electronic device.

The input devicecan be operated to detect where and whether the user is touching the electronic device. The input devicecan be operated to change, select, and/or display one or more settings of the electronic device. For example, the input devicecan detect gestures and generate a signal to change, select, and/or display one or more settings and/or operations that affect performance of the electronic device. By further example, the input devicecan generate a signal to alter operation of the input device interfaceand/or the output device interface.

As shown in, the input devicecan be operated to detect a sliding gesture by the user. Multiple sensing elements of the input devicealong the housingcan be used in concert to detect particular user inputs. For example, a usercan apply a finger or other object at a first part of the housing. While fingers are illustrated in, it will be understood that any portion of a body of the usercan be applied to the housingfor detection by the input device. Additionally or alternatively, an object other than a portion of the body of the usercan be applied to the housingfor detection by the input device. Such objects can include a stylus and/or other objects that can be operated by a user. The input deviceof the electronic devicecan transmit a signal (ultrasound signal) and detect the return signal that is reflected from the user. The usercan subsequently move the finger or other object to a second part of the housing, and the input deviceof the electronic devicecan transmit another signal (ultrasound signal) and detect the new return signal that is reflected from the user. The sequence of inputs that are detected within a span of time can be interpreted by the electronic deviceas a user's motion gesture in a particular direction (e.g., along a surface of the housing). For example, the sequence of (1) a detected reflected signal in a first region and then (2) a detected reflected signal in a second region can be interpreted as a user motion gesture. Detected sliding gestures can be correlated with preprogrammed functions to be performed by the electronic deviceupon detection of the sliding gestures.

As shown in, the input devicecan be operated to detect a tap, double tap, triple tap, or another tap gesture by the user. For example, as a user applies a finger or other object at the housing, the electronic devicecan detect the resulting reflected signal that is reflected from the user. The usercan subsequently lift the finger or other object, and the electronic devicecan detect the absence of a reflected signal or change in signal strength that occurs in the absence of the finger or other object of the userat the housing. The usercan subsequently return the finger or other object to the housing, and the electronic devicecan detect the resulting reflected signal that is reflected from the user. The sequence of inputs within a span of time can be interpreted by the electronic deviceas a user's tap gesture. Detected tap gestures can be correlated with preprogrammed functions to be performed by the electronic deviceupon detection of the tap gestures.

While only one finger of a useris shown in, be understood that the input deviceof the electronic devicecan detect the simultaneous presence and/or absence of multiple fingers and/or other objects. Such multiple deductions can be performed by the same input deviceand/or by multiple input devices. Detections of multiple fingers or other objects of the usercan be correlated with preprogrammed functions to be performed by the electronic device.

It will be appreciated that the input devicecan be operated to detect combinations of gestures, including tap gestures, sliding gestures, and/or other gestures. For example a sequence of different gestures in combination can be interpreted by the electronic deviceas a user's input.

Referring now to, an input device of an electronic device can include layered components that operate to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to detect user inputs.

As shown in, an input devicecan include a housingand/or a portion of a housing. While the housingcan provide an outer surface for contact by a user, other components of the input devicecan be provided at an inner surface of the housing. The piezoelectric layercan be provided on an inner side of the housing. On opposing sides of the piezoelectric layer, multiple electrodes can be provided. For example, an upper layerof electrodes can be provided between an upper side of the piezoelectric layerand the housing. A lower layerof electrodes can be provided on a lower side of the piezoelectric layer, opposite the upper layerof electrodes.

As shown in, the layers of the input devicecan be stacked in an overlapping arrangement to detect user inputs at an external surface. The housingcan define the outermost surface of the input device. The housingcan be formed of a material that transmits ultrasound energy, including ultrasound signals and waves. For example, the housingcan include an electrically conductive metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium alloys, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the housingcan include one or more other materials (e.g., plastic, polymer, etc.) that transmit ultrasound energy. The housingcan further include one or more liners(e.g., coatings and/or other layers) to electrically isolate the housingfrom other components of the input device, such as one or more electrodes of the upper layer.

As further shown in, a piezoelectric layercan be provided on a side of the housingand between opposing layersandof electrodes. The piezoelectric layercan include one or more materials with piezoelectric properties. Exemplary materials include, for example, piezoelectric polymers such as polyvinylidene difluoride (“PVDF”) and poly-L-lactide (“PLLA”). By further example, a piezoelectric polymers can include a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (“PVDF-TrFE”) copolymer. Where a piezoelectric polymer is selected, the piezoelectric layercan have substantial flexibility to bend and conform to a variety of shapes, including curved surfaces (e.g., of the housing). As such, the input devicecan be positioned against an inner side of the housingregardless of its shape. Furthermore, the input devicecan effectively detect touch inputs on a curved surface formed by the housing. Other materials for the piezoelectric layerinclude potassium sodium niobate (“KNN”), aluminum nitride (“AIN”), ceramics (e.g., barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate (“PZT”), potassium niobate, sodium tungstate, zinc oxide), natural crystals (e.g., berlinite, cane sugar, quartz, Rochelle salt, topaz, and/or a tourmaline group mineral), and synthetic crystals (e.g., gallium orthophosphate and/or langasite). The piezoelectric layercan extend across continuously across any area in which detection of touch input is desired. As such, the piezoelectric layercan form any shape and have any surface area. The piezoelectric layercan have a thickness of between about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm.

As described herein, electrodes can be positioned on opposing sides of the piezoelectric layer. For example, an upper layercan provide one or more electrodeson an upper side of the piezoelectric layer, and at a lower layercan provide one or more electrodeson a lower side of the piezoelectric layer. The electrodesof the upper layercan form rows and/or columns extending in a given direction across the piezoelectric layer. The electrodesof the lower layercan form columns and/or rows extending in a different direction across the piezoelectric layer. Additionally or alternatively, the electrodesof the lower layerand the electrodesof the upper layercan extend in directions that are transverse (e.g., perpendicular or orthogonal) to each other.

The piezoelectric layercan extend continuously across an entirety of all of the electrodesof the upper layerand the electrodesof the lower layer. For example, the piezoelectric layercan optionally be a continuous sheet, rather than discrete and separate pieces. The individual regions of the piezoelectric layercan be operated as individual transducers and/or probes based on electrical power that is locally applied (e.g., by selected electrodes) or induced (e.g., by reflected ultrasound signals), as described further herein.

Each of the electrodesand the electrodescan be conductive to receive and/or transmit electronic signals. For example, the electrodesand the electrodescan include metal, such as copper, silver, and the like. The electrodesand the electrodescan be formed onto the piezoelectric layer, for example by sputtering, etching, passivation, and/or bonding.

The electrodesof the upper layercan each be connected to an upper connector, and the electrodesof the lower layercan each be connected to a lower connector. The upper connectorand the lower connectorcan be attached to a control board or other electronic component to control operation of the corresponding electrodes.

As shown in, the arrangement of the layers can allow multiple regions to be detected by a small number of individual electrodes. For example, as shown in, any given electrodeof the lower layercan extend across and/or overlap with multiple electrodesof the upper layer. By further example, as shown in, any given electrodeof the upper layercan extend across and/or overlap with multiple electrodesof the lower layer. Each incidence of overlap can form a “pixel” that can be operated as a transducer and probe for ultrasound activity. Multiple pixels can be created by a smaller number of electrodes. For example, in the illustrated example, an array of five electrodesof the upper layerand five electrodesof the lower layercan yield an array of 25 individually operable pixels. It will be understood that any number of electrodes can be provided to produce an array of any size and resolution. For example, each layer can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or more than 50 electrodes. By providing electrodes that extend in rows and columns on opposing sides of the piezoelectric layer, the overall thickness of the upper layer and the lower layer can be reduced. For example, the entire thickness of each layer can be occupied by only one electrode, where multiple electrodes need not overlap. Furthermore, each electrode can extend outside of the region of interest of the piezoelectric layer, such that no additional lead lines are required. Rather, the electrodes themselves provide their own electrical connection to the corresponding connector.

In operation, the electrodesof the upper layerand the electrodesof the lower layercan effectively form a grid for generating ultrasound signals and receiving reflected signals at a variety of corresponding regions of the piezoelectric layer. For example, a given region of the piezoelectric layercan be operated as a transducer by providing electrical power (e.g., electrical potential or voltage) to the electrodesandthat are positioned on opposing sides of the given region of the piezoelectric layer. The electrical power can be provided in a manner that causes the piezoelectric regionproduce an ultrasound signal (e.g., pulse and/or wave). Such an ultrasound signal can be transmitted through the housingand, where applicable, to a user or other object. Any reflected signal can be transmitted back to the piezoelectric layer, which can react to the reflected signal by producing a corresponding electrical potential or voltage. The given region of the piezoelectric layercan be operated as a probe by reading the electrical potential or voltage across the electrodesandthat are positioned on opposing sides of the given region of the piezoelectric layer.

While the above description relates to transmitting and receiving signals at a given region of the piezoelectric layer, it will be understood that multiple regions can be operated as transducers and probes simultaneously or in sequence. For example, in some embodiments, different regions of the piezoelectric layer can be operated as transducers and/or probes at different times. In such embodiments, the operated electrodes can be selected based on the region of the piezoelectric layer to be operated. Such selection can include electrodes that extend across other regions of the piezoelectric layer, but which only overlap each other at the region of interest. By further example, in some embodiments, multiple regions can be operated as transducers and/or probes at the same time. In such embodiments, the operated electrodes can give readings that are correlated with regions based on the known overlap between any given pair of electrodes.

While the input deviceillustrated herein is shown with a planar arrangement, it will be understood that a variety of other arrangements can be provided. For example, the housingcan form a curved surface. The other layers of the input devicecan similarly conform to the curved surface of the housing. For example, the electrodesof the upper layer, the piezoelectric layer, and the electrodesof the lower layercan each provide adequate flexibility to bend as needed to conform to the shape of the housing.

Referring now to, in some embodiments the electrodesof the upper layerand the electrodesof the lower layercan each be individually provided to form discrete pairs on opposing sides of the piezoelectric layer. Each of the electrodesof the upper layercan be on a side of the piezoelectric layerthat is opposite a corresponding one of the electrodesof the lower layer. Each pair of an electrodeand an electrodecan form a “pixel” that can be operated as a transducer and probe for ultrasound activity. Multiple pixels can be created by a corresponding number of electrode pairs. For example, in the illustrated example, an array of 25 electrodesof the upper layerand 25 electrodesof the lower layercan yield an array of 25 individually operable pixels. It will be understood that any number of electrodes can be provided to produce an array of any size and resolution. For example, each layer can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or more than 50 electrodes.

Each electrode can be operably controlled and/or monitored via lead lines (not shown) that extend, for example, to connectors or control circuitry. In such an arrangement, the pairs of electrodesandon opposing sides of any given region of the piezoelectric layercan be powered and/or monitored to operate the given region of the piezoelectric layeras a transducer and/or probe.

illustrates a flow diagram of an example processfor managing an input device of an electronic device. For explanatory purposes, the processis primarily described herein with reference to the input devicesof. However, the processis not limited to the input devicesof, and one or more blocks (or operations) of the processmay be performed by different components of the electronic device and/or one or more other devices. Further for explanatory purposes, the blocks of the processare described herein as occurring in serial, or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the processmay occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of the processneed not be performed in the order shown and/or one or more blocks of the processneed not be performed and/or can be replaced by other operations.

The processcan begin when electrical power (e.g., electrical potential or voltage) is applied to a pair of electrodes (). The pair of electrodes can be positioned on opposing sides of a given region of a piezoelectric layer. The electric power can be applied to operate the region of the piezoelectric layer as a transducer to generate an ultrasound signal (e.g., pulse and/or wave).

The ultrasound signal can be transmitted through the housing (). Where applicable, the ultrasound signal can be transmitted to a user or other object. The ultrasound signal can interact with the user or object or otherwise propagate away from the housing and the input device.

Where the ultrasound signal interacts with a user or other object, a reflected signal can be transmitted back to the piezoelectric layer (). The piezoelectric layer can receive the reflected signal and react by producing a corresponding electrical potential or voltage.

The given region of the piezoelectric layer can be operated as a probe by reading the electrical power (e.g., electrical potential or voltage) (). Such a reading can be performed by electrodes that are positioned on opposing sides of the given region of the piezoelectric layer. For example, such electrodes can be the same pair to which electrical power (e.g., electrical potential or voltage) was applied.

A user input can be determined based on the detected activity of the piezoelectric layer (). For example, the presence or absence of a reflected signal can indicate the presence or absence of a user or other object at the housing. By further example, a time of flight between the transmission of the ultrasound signal and the receipt of a reflected signal can indicate the presence or absence of a user or other object at the housing. Where multiple signals are transmitted and/or reflected and received at different times (e.g., in sequence), movement of the user or other object can be tracked to determine a gesture (e.g., sliding gesture) as a user input. Additionally or alternatively, where multiple signals are transmitted and/or reflected and received at different times (e.g., in sequence), presence and absence of the user or other object can be tracked to determine a tap as a user input. Regardless of the user input, such inputs can be correlated with operations of the electronic device, and appropriate actions can be executed based on the detection of the user input.

conceptually illustrates an electronic devicewith which one or more implementations of the subject technology may be implemented. The electronic devicecan be, and/or can be a part of, the electronic deviceshown in. The electronic devicemay include various types of computer readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer readable media. The electronic deviceincludes a bus, one or more processing unit(s), a system memory(and/or buffer), a ROM, a permanent storage device, an input device interface, an output device interface, and one or more network interfaces, or subsets and variations thereof.

The buscollectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of the electronic device. In one or more implementations, the buscommunicatively connects the one or more processing unit(s)with the ROM, the system memory, and the permanent storage device. From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s)retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the subject disclosure. The one or more processing unit(s)can be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations.

The ROMstores static data and instructions that are needed by the one or more processing unit(s)and other modules of the electronic device. The permanent storage device, on the other hand, may be a read-and-write memory device. The permanent storage devicemay be a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the electronic deviceis off. In one or more implementations, a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device.

In one or more implementations, a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, flash drive, and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device. Like the permanent storage device, the system memorymay be a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike the permanent storage device, the system memorymay be a volatile read-and-write memory, such as random access memory. The system memorymay store any of the instructions and data that one or more processing unit(s)may need at runtime. In one or more implementations, the processes of the subject disclosure are stored in the system memory, the permanent storage device, and/or the ROM. From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s)retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of one or more implementations.

The busalso connects to the input and output device interfacesand. The input device interfaceenables a user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic device. Input devices that may be used with the input device interfacemay include, for example, alphanumeric keyboards, pointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”), cameras, microphones, touchscreens, and the like. The output device interfacemay enable, for example, the display of images generated by electronic device. Output devices that may be used with the output device interfacemay include, for example, printers and display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, a projector, or any other device for outputting information. One or more implementations may include devices that function as both input and output devices, such as a touchscreen. In these implementations, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

Finally, as shown in, the busalso couples the electronic deviceto one or more networks and/or to one or more network nodes through the one or more network interface(s). In this manner, the electronic devicecan be a part of a network of computers (such as a LAN, a wide area network (“WAN”), or an Intranet, or a network of networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of the electronic devicecan be used in conjunction with the subject disclosure.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include input devices that can be implemented in electronic devices to receive user input during operation of the electronic device. The input devices can employ ultrasonic touch sensing capabilities that allow user inputs to be detected through conductive materials, such as metal enclosures. The ultrasonic touch sensing can include generation of ultrasound signals with a piezoelectric layer. The ultrasound signals can be reflected when a user or other object is in contact with a housing, and the reflected signal can be detected by the same piezoelectric layer that produced the ultrasound signal. Such a piezoelectric layer can include a piezoelectric polymer, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). An array of electrodes distributed on opposing sides of the use of electric layer can be operated to generate ultrasound signals and detect reflected signals. Such an input device can be operated in conjunction with a conductive (e.g., metallic) housing, conform to a variety of shapes, and be compact and lightweight.

Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as clauses for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology.

Clause A: an input device comprising: a housing comprising metal; a piezoelectric layer having an upper side and a lower side, the piezoelectric layer comprising polyvinylidene fluoride; an upper layer of electrodes between the upper side of the piezoelectric layer and the housing; and a lower layer of electrodes on the lower side of the piezoelectric layer.

Clause B: an input device comprising: a housing; a piezoelectric layer having an upper side and a lower side; upper electrodes forming rows between the upper side of the piezoelectric layer and the housing; and lower electrodes forming columns on the lower side of the piezoelectric layer, each of the columns overlapping multiple rows, and each of the rows overlapping multiple columns.

Clause C: a method comprising: applying electrical power to electrodes on opposing sides of a piezoelectric polymer layer to transmit an ultrasound signal through a metal housing; sensing electrical power at the electrodes to detect a reflected signal from outside the housing; and determining a user input based on the reflected signal.

One or more of the above clauses can include one or more of the features described below. It is noted that any of the following clauses may be combined in any combination with each other, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, or C.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.